Secondary Education
A master’s degree program is available for secondary school personnel who are interested in gaining the knowledge and real-world experiences necessary for leadership roles in education.
Master Secondary Education Skills
Grow upon your past knowledge and skills and prepare for your future in a teaching or an administrative position in a Pre-K–12 setting. As a secondary education graduate student at USD, you will become a reflective leader and skilled educator whose practices and decisions draw upon the best available theory, research and experiential wisdom. Reflective decision-making engages administrators in cycles of thought and action based upon theoretical, ethical and professional knowledge. Aided by our expert professors, you can design an individualized plan of study that emphasizes the administrative context and meanings that are most important to you.
Become a reflective leader and explore new concepts of professional practice as a secondary education graduate student at USD.
Degrees & Offerings
Secondary Education (M.A.)
Master'sThe Master's in Secondary Education requires students to select an area of specialization.
Secondary Education: with Certification (M.A)
Master's with SpecializationIn addition to earning your master's in secondary education you also become certified at the secondary-school level in South Dakota. Students with degrees in art, music and physical education will also have to satisfy the necessary requirements for K-12 certification. This program is unique in that students are required to complete specific undergraduate course work that is required for certification and one semester of student teaching in addition to graduate course requirements. Specific requirements are determined through a careful transcript review process.
Secondary Education: Science, Technology, & Math (M.A)
Master's with SpecializationNow more than ever there is a need for STEM education in our schools. As society has moved to an information age, secondary teachers must be able to provide meaningful experiences which integrate science, technology and math into their curriculum to prepare students for the world in which they live. The STM specialization option prepares teachers to use current evidence-based proven practices to design, carry out, and evaluate STEM education in middle and secondary schools.
Secondary Education: Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners (M.A.)
Master's with SpecializationDistinctly designed for the practicing educator, you will experience a current and relevant curriculum that meets your professional needs. Teachers at all levels must be aware of and trained to meet the needs of learners from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences. The culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) specialization explores evidence-based methods and materials for adapting practices, programs and policies to meet the needs of all learners, particularly English Language Learners (ELLs) and other cultural and linguistically diverse communities.
Accelerated Secondary Education: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners (M.A.)
Major + Master'sYou can also choose an accelerated option when specializing in culturally and linguistically diverse learners. If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after the completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
The USD School of Education has been accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE) since 1956.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks USD School of Education among the "Best in the Nation" for the 4th consecutive year.
The small faculty-student ratios assure you the one-on-one attention and mentorship you need to succeed whether you are on campus or attend class online.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the School of Education. You may be interested in joining a student organization to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a special education organization that works with children who have special needs. Members do various service projects for the community that serves individuals with special needs and their families.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a professional membership organization that promotes high-quality education and learning for young children by addressing policy, research and early childhood practice.
National Education Association & South Dakota Education Association
The USD chapter of the South Dakota Education Association aims to acquaint students in teacher education programs with the history, ethics and programs of the education profession while also supporting and increasing their involvement in the community.
School of Education Student Ambassadors
Communicate with prospective students, assist with recruitment events, give tours of the building and offer input during prospective students’ individual campus visits. This group exemplifies the spirit of the school and provides excellent opportunities for professional growth.
SERVE - Adopt a School, Big Pal/Little Pal, H.E.R.O.E.S.
USD SERVE is focused on enriching the community of Vermillion. The group upholds the goal of supporting the educational mission of USD by providing service-based learning opportunities to students, as well as creating an environment that advocates for the importance of community service and helping others.
USD Reading Council
The USD Reading Council is dedicated to enhancing reading instruction and promoting the love of literature. A professional organization, we are genuinely concerned with the improvement of reading programs and teaching procedures, both developmental and remedial, for children and adults.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
Departments & Facilities
Teacher Residency & Education
The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.
Faculty & staff
Daniel Mourlam
Nicki Carr
Kristen DeMuth
Susan Gapp
Lisa Hazlett
Jamie Hovden
Monica Iverson
Carla McMurryKozak
Rebecca Phillips
Kevin Reins
Theresa Skinner
Jing Williams
John Williams
Tailor the Program to Your Interests and Career Goals
Impact the Lives of Your Students
Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors
If you live in South Dakota, be sure and take advantage of the 50% reduced tuition program for currently contracted elementary/secondary teachers and vocational instructors.
Surprisingly Affordable
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GA (Resident*)
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Online
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Non-Resident
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Tuition (1 cr.)
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180.3
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340.15
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470.45
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654.05
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GAF Fee (1 cr.)
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55.3
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55.3
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0
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55.3
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Total
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More About Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.
* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.